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No Croutons Required - Root Vegetables

The challenge for November was to make a vegetarian soup or salad with root vegetables. As usual we have received some tempting entries from across the globe. There are lots of nourishing ideas to warm a body on a chilly day. Though the choice is never an easy one, please vote for your favorite in the comment section or via email. Do note that my submission is not eligible for the vote.

Our very first entry is a hearty Butternut Chili from Joanne of Eats Well with Others. Squash, tomatoes, a whole glorious can of green chilies, vaquero beans, garlic, cumin, chili powder, ginger, red onion, red pepper and some rice vinegar come together in this especially warming bowl of goodness. Just perfect for a cold Winter day! (New York, USA)

Next up is A Happy Day Salad from Lata of Flavours and Tastes. This pretty salad is made up of cooked beet root, white radishes and carrot with some turmeric and ginger, along with mixed sprouts and some fresh coriander leaves. This delightful salad was then served with a yogurt and mint dip. So good for you and such a creative presentation too! (Accra, Ghana)

From Johanna of Green Gourmet Giraffe we have this unique and intriguing Chestnut, Carrot and Lentil Soup. Johanna was fortunate to find some lovely purple carrots which she combined with chestnuts, mushrooms, onion, garlic, puy lentils, brown rice and white wine. This thick and delightful soup is then topped with yogurt, parsley and black pepper. I'd love a bowl of this served with some crusty bread! (Melbourne, Australia)

Next up is Claire of The Hungriest Hippo with a velvety Curried Parsnip & Apple Soup. This warming soup combines parsnips, apples, onion, garlic, curry powder and a splash of milk. Fruit and vegetables all in one delicious bowl of goodness! Serve with some croutons or some toasted pumpkin seeds or a swirl of creme fraiche for lunch of a light dinner. (Edinburgh, Scotland, UK)

Kirsten, who blogs at From Kirsten's Kitchen to Yours submits this unique and refreshing Shredded Jicama Salad. We are told that Jicama is indigenous to Mexico and has a texture like a water chestnut and a sweet, citrusy juice. Here it is combined with carrot, fennel, celery, lime, cayenne, salt and some olive oil. Sounds wonderful! (Los Angeles, California, USA)

Jassy of Gin and Crumpets enters the fray with this winter version of Parsnip and Apple Coleslaw. Jassy bans mayonnaise from her coleslaw and comes up with a refreshing combination of raw parsnips, red cabbage, carrots, apples and walnuts. Everything is tossed with a dressing of cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and wholegrain mustard. For an especially filling meal, serve with crusty bread and blue cheese. (London, UK)

My own submission this month is an earthy Indian-Style Beet Salad with a Yogurt Dressing. Roasted beets, with a hint of freshly ground coriander and salt are topped with yogurt, ginger and some roasted coconut. Beets are one of my favorite vegetables, and they are especially nice in salads. (London, Ontario, Canada)

Mangocheeks of Allotment 2 Kitchen submits this nourishing South Asian inspired Garam Masala Neep Soup that would be a very warming choice for frigid temperatures. Rich, creamy and filling, swede (also known as rutabaga) is simmered along with onion, garlic, red chili and garam masala. Mangocheeks suggests this belly warmer can be served with a side serving of swede crisps with some garam masala. No croutons required! (West of Scotland, UK)

Priya of Priya's Easy N Tasty Recipes is up next with her simple and creamy Onion and Leek Soup. This comforting soup is made up of sauted onions and leeks, vegetable broth, basil leaves, salt, pepper and served with cream. Sometimes quick and easy soups like this one are exactly what I crave. (Paris, France)

Sweatha of Tasty Curry Leaf enters this month with a pretty Carrot Kosumbari that is simple to make but certainly not lacking in flavour. This raw salad is made up of shredded carrots, onions, coconut, green chilies, lemon juice and coriander. It would be delightful on its own for lunch or could be served alongside rice. (Bangalore,India)

Soma of eCurry joins in again this month with some lovely Saffron and Honey Glazed Root Vegetables. This autumn dish consists of rutabaga, carrots, parsnips and onion glazed with honey and saffron and cooked further with fennel and lemon juice and garnished with parsley and thyme. This mouthwatering combination would be an ideal vegetable complement to any cold weather meal! (Texas, USA)

Cool Lassi(e) of Pan Gravy Kadai Curry serves up a Root-A-Rama Soup that was a huge hit and now a favorite. This thick soup is made up of celery root, sweet potato, ginger, garlic, a bay leaf, vegetable stock and milk and topped with caramelized red onions. Good for you and tasty too! (USA)

Swathi of Zesty South Indian Kitchen cooks up an earthy and elegant Beet, Carrot and Ginger Soup. Beets, carrot, red onion, ginger, veggie stock, pepper, Italian seasoning and cream are pureed together and then served with a dollop of yogurt and some toasted bread. Yet another example that easy to prepare doesn't mean you have to sacrifice good taste! (Texas, USA)

Our final submission is a crimson Beet Root Salad from Aqua of Served With Love. Sweet, spicy and tangy, lightly cooked beets are grated and tossed with roasted peanut powder, fresh lime juice, green chilies, coriander leaves and a wee bit of sugar. No wonder Aqua craves this one. A classic! Serve over fresh lettuce leave to impress your diners. (Singapore)

Update: Sarah of The Ordinary Vegetarian sent along her Roasted Beet and Garlic Soup in Acorn Squash Bowls but it didn't show up in in the inbox! Such a cute presentation, Sarah fills roasted squash with a soup of roasted beets and garlic, celery, carrots, onion, ginger, dill and coconut milk. This delightful creamy soup is not only impressive, but good for you too! (Aurora, Illinois, USA)

Based in London, Ontario, a veteran vegetarian for 23 years serves up a collection of delicious culinary creations from her kitchen, with an emphasis on spicy Indian dishes and whole foods. If you want to know what sensible vegetarians eat, Lisa's Kitchen is the place to be.